How can people with a family history of colorectal cancer reduce their risk of developing the disease?

Colorectal cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer death in India and starts in the large intestine (colon) or rectum.

- Dr. Vijay Agarwal

It occurs when cells in the colon go out of control and mostly in older adults (above 45 years). This type of cancer usually begins as small benign clumps of cells called polyps which form inside the colon region and after some time these polyps become cancer cells. The healthy cells in the colon develop mutations in their DNA and accumulate together to form a tumour. Over time these cancer cells grow to invade and destroy the normal tissue nearby.

While there is no specific cause behind the development of colorectal cancer and most are found among people without a family history of colorectal cancer. However, approximately 1 in 3 people who are affected by the condition have other family members (parent, sibling, or child) who have suffered from colorectal cancer.

This puts people with a history of colorectal cancer at increased risk. The reasons for the increased risk are not clear in all cases but it is higher if their relative was diagnosed with cancer before 50 years or if more than one parent, sibling or child is affected. If you also have family members who have had adenomatous polyps or have a history of adenomatous polyps, then you must speak to your doctor and check with them on the need to start screening before the age of 45.

Screening helps in detecting this cancer early and therefore if you have had colorectal cancer then you must inform your close relative so they can start their screening at the right age.

Symptoms 

Colorectal cancer presents several symptoms and risk factors which can help in identifying it early. These include.